US20070209522A1 - In-door coffee maker for refrigerators - Google Patents
In-door coffee maker for refrigerators Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070209522A1 US20070209522A1 US11/371,796 US37179606A US2007209522A1 US 20070209522 A1 US20070209522 A1 US 20070209522A1 US 37179606 A US37179606 A US 37179606A US 2007209522 A1 US2007209522 A1 US 2007209522A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- water
- door
- cabinet
- supply
- coffee
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D23/00—General constructional features
- F25D23/12—Arrangements of compartments additional to cooling compartments; Combinations of refrigerators with other equipment, e.g. stove
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
- A47J31/24—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure
- A47J31/34—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure
- A47J31/36—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
- A47J31/42—Beverage-making apparatus with incorporated grinding or roasting means for coffee
Definitions
- the refrigerator includes a collection chamber for grounds used in the brew chamber. In an embodiment, the refrigerator includes a filled collection chamber indicator.
- a brew chamber 34 for the coffee maker 21 is located in the door 26 and is arranged to receive a supply of ground coffee beans and water heated by the water heater 32 to make brewed coffee.
- the water may be transported from the water heater 32 to the brew chamber 34 by means of a pump 36 , particularly if the water heater 32 is located at a lower elevation in the door 26 than the brew chamber 34 , as illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 3 .
- This grinding mechanism 56 may be located at the bottom of the reservoir 50 so that it is gravity fed or it may located elsewhere, with the beans being transported to the grinding mechanism manually or by some mechanical transport arrangement.
- the refrigerator 20 includes a mechanism 58 for transporting ground coffee beans from the grinding mechanism 56 to the brew chamber 34 . If the grinding mechanism 56 is located above the brew chamber 34 , the transport mechanism 58 may be as simple as a connecting tube or passage, or the mechanism may be more complex, particularly if the grinding mechanism 56 is located some distance away from or below the brew chamber 34 .
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates generally to a refrigerator having an in-door coffee maker.
- Refrigerators with water and/or ice dispensing units are well known. Also known are coffee makers that use prepackaged bags or pods of ground coffee beans, or which accept whole coffee beans and include a grinding mechanism to grind a sufficient quantity of beans as needed to brew a desired quantity of coffee.
- Coffee makers are known which brew an entire pot of coffee, generally enough for at least 6 to 8 cups of coffee, and also, single serve coffee makers are known, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,233,914, for people who wish no more than a single cup of coffee, rather than brewing multiple cups at one time. Coffee maker are also know to incorporate coffee bean frinders with the brew chamber, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,196,658.
- A disadvantage of coffee makers is that they require a certain amount of counter space in the kitchen, or are required to be mounted hanging from the underside of an upper cabinet. In some cases, coffee makers have been combined with other counter top appliances, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. D340,831, D479,431 and 6,737,620. However, these combination appliances merely take up more counter space. Another disadvantage is that such coffee makers require the user to measure out and dispense a quantity of water to the coffee maker each time a pot or cup of coffee is to be brewed.
- The present invention solves the identified problems and provides convenience to the user, including:
- A system that is already plumbed in a refrigerator or water and/or ice, thereby eliminating the need for consumers to refill a water reservoir each time coffee is to be brewed.
- A space saving appliance, since the user will not necessarily need to have an additional coffee maker taking up counter space, or undercabinet space in the kitchen.
- Presenting a central location for beverage dispensing in the kitchen, that being at the refrigerator, where not only cold water and ice, or other chilled beverages from inside the refrigerator may be obtained, but also coffee and other brewed hot beverages as well.
- In an embodiment of the invention, a refrigerator comprises a cabinet including a refrigeration compartment and a supply of water in the cabinet, with a door attached to the cabinet to selectively open and close access to the refrigeration compartment. A water conduit is located in the door to supply water from the cabinet supply of water to a point of utilization in the door. A water heater is located in the door arranged to heat water from the cabinet supply of water. A brew chamber is located in the door and arranged to receive a supply of ground coffee beans and water heated by the water heater to make brewed coffee. A dispensing outlet communicates with the brew chamber to allow for the dispensing of the brewed coffee at the door of the refrigerator, and a control is provided to control the heating of the water and the dispensing of the brewed coffee.
- In an embodiment, the refrigerator further includes insulation between the water heater and the refrigeration compartment.
- In an embodiment, the brew chamber includes an area for receiving a porous package of ground coffee beans. In an embodiment, the area comprises a removable chamber.
- In an embodiment, the brew chamber is sized to provide a single serving of coffee.
- In an embodiment, the refrigerator includes a reservoir for receiving and holding whole coffee beans. In an embodiment, the reservoir is located in the door. In an embodiment, the reservoir includes a grinding mechanism to grind the whole coffee beans. In an embodiment, the refrigerator includes a mechanism for transporting ground coffee beans from the grinding mechanism to the brew chamber.
- In an embodiment, the refrigerator includes a collection chamber for grounds used in the brew chamber. In an embodiment, the refrigerator includes a filled collection chamber indicator.
- In an embodiment, the dispensing outlet comprises two dispensers for dispensing brewed coffee.
- In an embodiment, the dispensing outlet comprises a water dispenser in addition to a coffee dispenser at the door.
- In an embodiment, the dispensing outlet comprises an ice dispenser in addition to a coffee dispenser at the door.
- In an embodiment, the refrigerator includes a water pump between the water heater and the brew chamber.
- These and other aspects and details of the present invention will become apparent upon a reading of the detailed description and a review of the accompanying drawings. Specific embodiments of the present invention are described herein. The present invention is not intended to be limited to only these embodiments. Changes and modifications can be made to the described embodiments and yet fall within the scope of the present invention.
-
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a refrigerator cabinet incorporating the principles of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of a first embodiment of the coffee maker in the door of the refrigerator ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of a second embodiment of the coffee maker in the door of the refrigerator ofFIG. 1 . - In an embodiment of the invention, a
refrigerator 20 is provided with an in-door coffee maker 21. The refrigerator comprises acabinet 22 including aninterior refrigeration compartment 24 for holding food and other items to be held at a reduced temperature. The refrigerator may include two or more refrigeration compartments which may be kept at different temperatures, such as one below the freezing temperature of water and the other above the freezing temperature of water. Therefrigerator 20 includes adoor 26 attached to thecabinet 22 to selectively open and close access to therefrigeration compartment 24. More than onedoor 26 may be provided as well. AlthoughFIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment known as a side-by-side refrigeration appliance, the present invention may also be provided in single door refrigerators and refrigerators with a top mount freezer compartment or a bottom mount refrigeration compartment. - A supply of
water 28 is provided in thecabinet 22. This supply of water may come from a domestic water supply, such as the plumbing system of a house or office where the refrigerator is located. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 , awater conduit 30 is located in thedoor 26 to supply water from the cabinet supply ofwater 28 to one or more points of utilization in the door, as described below. Thewater conduit 30 may come from the supply ofwater 28 through a top hinge of thedoor 26, or a bottom hinge of the door, or some other connection arrangement. Thecoffee maker 21 includes awater heater 32 located in thedoor 26 and arranged to heat water received from the cabinet supply ofwater 28.Insulation 33 is provided in the door to prevent heat from thewater heater 32 from flowing to therefrigeration compartment 24. - A
brew chamber 34 for thecoffee maker 21 is located in thedoor 26 and is arranged to receive a supply of ground coffee beans and water heated by thewater heater 32 to make brewed coffee. The water may be transported from thewater heater 32 to thebrew chamber 34 by means of apump 36, particularly if thewater heater 32 is located at a lower elevation in thedoor 26 than thebrew chamber 34, as illustrated in the embodiment ofFIG. 3 . - A dispensing
outlet 38 communicates with thebrew chamber 34 to allow for the dispensing of the brewed coffee at thedoor 26 of therefrigerator 20. The dispensingoutlet 38 may be located in arecess 40 in thedoor 26, sized to receive acoffee cup 41, or other container. In some embodiments (as seen inFIG. 1 ), two dispensingoutlets 38 may be provided in therecess 40. Anoverflow reservoir 42 may be provided below therecess 40 to capture and hold any overflows or spills from thecoffee cup 41, or to provide a collection area if a user fails to properly place a coffee cup or other container in the recess before the dispensing of the brewed coffee begins. - A
control 43 is provided, which may include various input buttons or switches 44 on thedoor 26 of therefrigerator 20. Thecontrol 43 is used to control the heating of the water and the dispensing of the brewed coffee. Thecontrol 43 may also operate thepump 36 if one is provided. - In an embodiment of the
coffee maker 21 such as shown inFIG. 2 , thebrew chamber 34 includes anarea 45 for receiving a porous package of ground coffee beans. Thearea 45 may comprise a removable chamber, such as a drawer that the user can remove and replace, allowing for a change of the package of ground coffee beans when it is desired to brew additional coffee. In such an arrangement, thebrew chamber 34 may be sized to provide a single serving of coffee, or in some embodiments, two servings of coffee. - To operate such an embodiment of the
coffee maker 21, the user would place a package of ground coffee beans in thearea 45 of thebrew chamber 34, and thecup 41 to receive brewed coffee in therecess 40, and then operate thecontrol 43 to begin the brewing of the coffee. A volume of water would be supplied to thewater heater 32, and once heated to the proper temperature, the water would be transported to thebrew chamber 34. After the water has been in contact with the ground coffee beans for a sufficient amount of time, the brewed coffee is dispensed through the dispensingoutlet 38 into the waitingcoffee cup 41. - If a user simply wanted a cup of hot water, such as for brewing tea or making instant coffee, the user would merely omit placing the ground coffee beans in the
area 45 of thebrew chamber 34, so that the water heated by thewater heater 32 would be dispensed to the dispensingoutlet 38, perhaps following a holding period in thebrew chamber 34. Thecontrol 43 could be provided with an input selection for hot water only, which would permit avoidance of the holding period in thebrew chamber 34. - In another embodiment of the invention, as shown in
FIG. 3 , therefrigerator 20 includes areservoir 50 for receiving and holding whole coffee beans. In an embodiment, thereservoir 50 is located in thedoor 26. In such an embodiment, thereservoir 50 may be located such that it is in thermal communication with therefrigeration compartment 24, such as being isolated by a thin, non-insulated wall orliner 52, or anopen chute 54, so that the whole coffee beans will be retained in a fresh state for a longer period of time, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,219,103. In an embodiment, thereservoir 50 includes a grindingmechanism 56 to grind the whole coffee beans, as needed for a particular brewing cycle. This grindingmechanism 56 may be located at the bottom of thereservoir 50 so that it is gravity fed or it may located elsewhere, with the beans being transported to the grinding mechanism manually or by some mechanical transport arrangement. In an embodiment, therefrigerator 20 includes amechanism 58 for transporting ground coffee beans from the grindingmechanism 56 to thebrew chamber 34. If the grindingmechanism 56 is located above thebrew chamber 34, thetransport mechanism 58 may be as simple as a connecting tube or passage, or the mechanism may be more complex, particularly if the grindingmechanism 56 is located some distance away from or below thebrew chamber 34. - The ground coffee beans will arrive in the
brew chamber 34, and following the introduction of water from thewater heater 32, brewed coffee will be available for dispensing from the dispensingoutlet 38, as described above. - In an embodiment where loose coffee grounds are placed into the
brew chamber 34, therefrigerator 20 may include acollection chamber 60 for grounds that have been used in the brew chamber. Thecollection chamber 60 may be located below thebrew chamber 34 so that the used grounds may be moved to the collection chamber upon operation of adoor 61 and gravity, or a more complex arrangement may be provided for moving the used grounds from thebrew chamber 34 to thecollection chamber 60. In an embodiment, thecollection chamber 60 may be provided with anindicator 62 to provide a visual or audible indication to the user that the chamber is filled and requires cleaning. Theindicator 62 could be located on thecollection chamber 60, or could be located on a control panel adjacent to theinput buttons 44. - In an embodiment, a
second dispensing outlet 64, in the form of a water dispenser may be provided in addition to thecoffee dispensing outlet 38 at thedoor 26. This will allow for the dispensing of cold water, as is known in refrigeration appliances. Athird dispensing outlet 66, in the form of an ice dispenser may also be provided in addition to thecoffee dispensing outlet 38 at thedoor 26. - The present invention has been described utilizing particular embodiments. As will be evident to those skilled in the art, changes and modifications may be made to the disclosed embodiments and yet fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, various components could be utilized separately or independently in some embodiments without using all of the other components in the particular described embodiment. The disclosed embodiment is provided only to illustrate aspects of the present invention and not in any way to limit the scope and coverage of the invention. The scope of the invention is therefore to be limited only by the appended claims.
- As is apparent from the foregoing specification, the invention is susceptible of being embodied with various alterations and modifications which may differ particularly from those that have been described in the preceding specification and description. It should be understood that we wish to embody within the scope of the patent warranted hereon all such modifications as reasonably and properly come within the scope of our contribution to the art.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/371,796 US7610849B2 (en) | 2006-03-09 | 2006-03-09 | In-door coffee maker for refrigerators |
EP07250913A EP1832826A3 (en) | 2006-03-09 | 2007-03-06 | In-door coffee maker for refrigerators |
MX2007002843A MX2007002843A (en) | 2006-03-09 | 2007-03-08 | In-door coffee maker for refrigerators. |
BRPI0700655-1A BRPI0700655A (en) | 2006-03-09 | 2007-03-08 | coffee maker at the door of refrigerators |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/371,796 US7610849B2 (en) | 2006-03-09 | 2006-03-09 | In-door coffee maker for refrigerators |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070209522A1 true US20070209522A1 (en) | 2007-09-13 |
US7610849B2 US7610849B2 (en) | 2009-11-03 |
Family
ID=37989010
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/371,796 Expired - Fee Related US7610849B2 (en) | 2006-03-09 | 2006-03-09 | In-door coffee maker for refrigerators |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US7610849B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1832826A3 (en) |
BR (1) | BRPI0700655A (en) |
MX (1) | MX2007002843A (en) |
Cited By (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090241782A1 (en) * | 2008-03-31 | 2009-10-01 | Whirlpool Corporation | Apparatus, method and kit for retrofitting an indoor water dispenser of an existing refrigerator |
US20090293530A1 (en) * | 2008-05-29 | 2009-12-03 | Whirlpool Corporation | Apparatuses and methods for a refrigerator having liquid conditioning and enhancement components for enhanced beverage dispensing |
US20090293735A1 (en) * | 2008-05-29 | 2009-12-03 | Whirlpool Corporation | Apparatuses and methods for a refrigerator having liquid conditioning and enhancement components for enhanced beverage dispensing |
US20100154651A1 (en) * | 2008-12-18 | 2010-06-24 | Whirlpool Corporation | Liquid flow control and beverage preparation apparatuses, methods and systems |
US20100154649A1 (en) * | 2008-12-18 | 2010-06-24 | Whirlpool Corporation | Liquid flow control and beverage preparation apparatuses, methods and systems |
US20100154459A1 (en) * | 2008-12-18 | 2010-06-24 | Whirlpool Corporation | Liquid flow control and beverage preparation apparatuses, methods and systems |
ITMI20100381A1 (en) * | 2010-03-09 | 2011-09-10 | Brasilia Spa | REFRIGERATOR FOR CONSERVATION OF FOODS WITH HIGH FLEXIBILITY OF USE |
US20120017629A1 (en) * | 2010-07-20 | 2012-01-26 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Dispenser for refrigerator and refrigerator including the same |
US20120263831A1 (en) * | 2008-12-18 | 2012-10-18 | Whirlpool Corporation | Liquid flow control and beverage preparation apparatuses, methods and systems |
US9267730B2 (en) | 2010-10-29 | 2016-02-23 | Whirlpool Corporation | Apparatus, method and system for managing and dispensing liquid enhancement components from a refrigerator |
US20180049582A1 (en) * | 2015-03-12 | 2018-02-22 | Bsh Hausgerate Gmbh | Mixed beverage unit |
US9915467B1 (en) * | 2016-11-02 | 2018-03-13 | Sheila Mosley | Refrigerator with integrated multi-speed blender |
DE102017218174A1 (en) * | 2017-10-11 | 2019-04-11 | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH | Food storage system |
US11103103B2 (en) * | 2018-09-24 | 2021-08-31 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Cold brewed coffee system in a refrigerator appliance |
CN113646600A (en) * | 2019-04-04 | 2021-11-12 | 海尔智家股份有限公司 | Refrigerator and brewing assembly for refrigerator |
Families Citing this family (19)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110303693A1 (en) * | 2010-06-11 | 2011-12-15 | Whirlpool Corporation | Single or multiple dispense of beverages from a bulk container on a refrigerator |
US8651330B2 (en) | 2011-10-31 | 2014-02-18 | General Electric Company | Refrigeration appliance with hot water dispenser |
US8651331B2 (en) | 2011-10-31 | 2014-02-18 | General Electric Company | Refrigeration appliance with chilled water dispenser |
US9327216B2 (en) | 2012-11-12 | 2016-05-03 | Whirlpool Corporation | Customizable multi-stage water treatment system |
US9320993B2 (en) | 2012-11-12 | 2016-04-26 | Whirlpool Corporation | Filter housing for small media |
US9314716B2 (en) | 2012-11-12 | 2016-04-19 | Whirlpool Corporation | Customizable multi-stage water treatment assembly |
US9889478B2 (en) | 2012-11-12 | 2018-02-13 | Whirlpool Corporation | Consumable descaling cartridges for a refrigerator appliance |
WO2015002950A1 (en) * | 2013-07-01 | 2015-01-08 | As Ip Holdco, Llc | Systems and methods for making single-cup beverages |
USD736024S1 (en) * | 2013-10-03 | 2015-08-11 | Flo Water Inc. | Flow device |
US9441874B2 (en) * | 2013-10-15 | 2016-09-13 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Water heater assembly for a refrigerator appliance and a method for operating the same |
US10442610B2 (en) | 2014-03-11 | 2019-10-15 | Starbucks Corporation | Pod-based restrictors and methods |
USD790898S1 (en) * | 2015-04-15 | 2017-07-04 | Flo Water Inc. | Doorless flow device |
EP3380796A4 (en) * | 2015-11-23 | 2019-07-10 | Safari Kermanshahi, Kamal | Super smart safari 360° refrigerator and freezer (central mobility and rotation, manual and automatic) equipped with water reservoir, battery and internet connection |
US10352614B2 (en) | 2017-07-31 | 2019-07-16 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Refrigerator appliance having a dispensing assembly |
CN107928408A (en) | 2017-10-13 | 2018-04-20 | 青岛海尔股份有限公司 | Refrigerator |
CN107917573B (en) * | 2017-10-13 | 2020-03-17 | 青岛海尔股份有限公司 | Refrigerator with a door |
CN107744339A (en) * | 2017-10-13 | 2018-03-02 | 青岛海尔股份有限公司 | Refrigerator |
CN107928409A (en) * | 2017-10-13 | 2018-04-20 | 青岛海尔股份有限公司 | Refrigerator |
US11236940B2 (en) * | 2019-09-12 | 2022-02-01 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Egg boiler device for a refrigerator appliance |
Citations (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4196658A (en) * | 1977-11-30 | 1980-04-08 | Tokyo Shibaura Denki Kabushiki Kaisha | Coffee-pot and coffee-mill combination |
US5219103A (en) * | 1991-12-30 | 1993-06-15 | Whirlpool Corporation | Refrigerator coffee dispenser having an auger and a pick-up wheel |
US5233914A (en) * | 1991-08-01 | 1993-08-10 | English Philip H | In-car coffee maker |
USD340831S (en) * | 1991-11-22 | 1993-11-02 | Sengoku Tetukou Co., Ltd. | Toaster oven with egg cooker and coffee maker |
US5603230A (en) * | 1996-04-18 | 1997-02-18 | Tsai; Te-Wan | Water supply device for a refrigerator door |
US5971213A (en) * | 1996-05-16 | 1999-10-26 | Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd. | Water dispenser for a refrigerator |
US6099878A (en) * | 1998-10-30 | 2000-08-08 | Acorto, Inc. | Automated espresso and milk aeration method |
US6321638B1 (en) * | 1999-05-12 | 2001-11-27 | Fianara International B.V. | Coffee machine assembly |
US20030097314A1 (en) * | 2000-06-08 | 2003-05-22 | Crisp Harry Lee | Beverage disensing apparatus having fluid director |
USD479431S1 (en) * | 2002-07-13 | 2003-09-09 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Microwave oven with coffee-maker |
US6737620B2 (en) * | 2002-03-05 | 2004-05-18 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Microwave oven having a coffee maker |
US20060011067A1 (en) * | 2004-07-19 | 2006-01-19 | Spencer William L | Coffee maker and method of use |
US20070023451A1 (en) * | 2005-07-29 | 2007-02-01 | David Bordino | Refrigerator-mounted hot beverage dispenser |
US20070283817A1 (en) * | 2004-04-13 | 2007-12-13 | Bsh Bosch And Siemens Hausgerate Gmbh | Device for Producing a Hot Drink |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
KR0131884Y1 (en) * | 1996-06-22 | 1999-10-01 | 배순훈 | Coffee-making function lock apparatus in a refrigerator |
US5836169A (en) * | 1997-01-29 | 1998-11-17 | Marlette; Todd E. | Coffee brewer including refrigerated storage receptacle |
KR100487768B1 (en) * | 2003-03-03 | 2005-05-06 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Refrigerator having hot water dispenser |
KR100556382B1 (en) * | 2003-10-06 | 2006-03-03 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | refrigerator with hot water supply and coffee maker functions |
-
2006
- 2006-03-09 US US11/371,796 patent/US7610849B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2007
- 2007-03-06 EP EP07250913A patent/EP1832826A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2007-03-08 BR BRPI0700655-1A patent/BRPI0700655A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2007-03-08 MX MX2007002843A patent/MX2007002843A/en active IP Right Grant
Patent Citations (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4196658A (en) * | 1977-11-30 | 1980-04-08 | Tokyo Shibaura Denki Kabushiki Kaisha | Coffee-pot and coffee-mill combination |
US5233914A (en) * | 1991-08-01 | 1993-08-10 | English Philip H | In-car coffee maker |
USD340831S (en) * | 1991-11-22 | 1993-11-02 | Sengoku Tetukou Co., Ltd. | Toaster oven with egg cooker and coffee maker |
US5219103A (en) * | 1991-12-30 | 1993-06-15 | Whirlpool Corporation | Refrigerator coffee dispenser having an auger and a pick-up wheel |
US5603230A (en) * | 1996-04-18 | 1997-02-18 | Tsai; Te-Wan | Water supply device for a refrigerator door |
US5971213A (en) * | 1996-05-16 | 1999-10-26 | Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd. | Water dispenser for a refrigerator |
US6099878A (en) * | 1998-10-30 | 2000-08-08 | Acorto, Inc. | Automated espresso and milk aeration method |
US6321638B1 (en) * | 1999-05-12 | 2001-11-27 | Fianara International B.V. | Coffee machine assembly |
US20030097314A1 (en) * | 2000-06-08 | 2003-05-22 | Crisp Harry Lee | Beverage disensing apparatus having fluid director |
US6737620B2 (en) * | 2002-03-05 | 2004-05-18 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Microwave oven having a coffee maker |
USD479431S1 (en) * | 2002-07-13 | 2003-09-09 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Microwave oven with coffee-maker |
US20070283817A1 (en) * | 2004-04-13 | 2007-12-13 | Bsh Bosch And Siemens Hausgerate Gmbh | Device for Producing a Hot Drink |
US20060011067A1 (en) * | 2004-07-19 | 2006-01-19 | Spencer William L | Coffee maker and method of use |
US20070023451A1 (en) * | 2005-07-29 | 2007-02-01 | David Bordino | Refrigerator-mounted hot beverage dispenser |
Cited By (26)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090241782A1 (en) * | 2008-03-31 | 2009-10-01 | Whirlpool Corporation | Apparatus, method and kit for retrofitting an indoor water dispenser of an existing refrigerator |
US8359969B2 (en) * | 2008-03-31 | 2013-01-29 | Whirlpool Corporation | Apparatus, method and kit for retrofitting an indoor water dispenser of an existing refrigerator |
US20090293530A1 (en) * | 2008-05-29 | 2009-12-03 | Whirlpool Corporation | Apparatuses and methods for a refrigerator having liquid conditioning and enhancement components for enhanced beverage dispensing |
US20090293735A1 (en) * | 2008-05-29 | 2009-12-03 | Whirlpool Corporation | Apparatuses and methods for a refrigerator having liquid conditioning and enhancement components for enhanced beverage dispensing |
US9556011B2 (en) | 2008-05-29 | 2017-01-31 | Whirlpool Corporation | Apparatuses and methods for a refrigerator having liquid conditioning and enhancement components for enhanced beverage dispensing |
US9981839B2 (en) | 2008-05-29 | 2018-05-29 | Whirlpool Corporation | Apparatuses and methods for a refrigerator having liquid conditioning and enhancement components for enhanced beverage dispensing |
US20100154651A1 (en) * | 2008-12-18 | 2010-06-24 | Whirlpool Corporation | Liquid flow control and beverage preparation apparatuses, methods and systems |
US20100154459A1 (en) * | 2008-12-18 | 2010-06-24 | Whirlpool Corporation | Liquid flow control and beverage preparation apparatuses, methods and systems |
US8166868B2 (en) * | 2008-12-18 | 2012-05-01 | Whirlpool Corporation | Liquid flow control and beverage preparation apparatus |
US8166867B2 (en) * | 2008-12-18 | 2012-05-01 | Whirlpool Corporation | Liquid flow control through a beverage preparation apparatus |
US8215228B2 (en) * | 2008-12-18 | 2012-07-10 | Whirlpool Corporation | Liquid flow control and beverage preparation for a refrigerator |
US20120263831A1 (en) * | 2008-12-18 | 2012-10-18 | Whirlpool Corporation | Liquid flow control and beverage preparation apparatuses, methods and systems |
US20100154649A1 (en) * | 2008-12-18 | 2010-06-24 | Whirlpool Corporation | Liquid flow control and beverage preparation apparatuses, methods and systems |
US8475854B2 (en) * | 2008-12-18 | 2013-07-02 | Whirlpool Corporation | Liquid flow control and beverage preparation apparatuses, methods and systems |
ITMI20100381A1 (en) * | 2010-03-09 | 2011-09-10 | Brasilia Spa | REFRIGERATOR FOR CONSERVATION OF FOODS WITH HIGH FLEXIBILITY OF USE |
US8650902B2 (en) * | 2010-07-20 | 2014-02-18 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Dispenser for refrigerator and refrigerator including the same |
US20120017629A1 (en) * | 2010-07-20 | 2012-01-26 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Dispenser for refrigerator and refrigerator including the same |
US9267730B2 (en) | 2010-10-29 | 2016-02-23 | Whirlpool Corporation | Apparatus, method and system for managing and dispensing liquid enhancement components from a refrigerator |
US9671157B2 (en) | 2010-10-29 | 2017-06-06 | Whirlpool Corporation | Apparatus, method and system for managing and dispensing liquid enhancement components from a refrigerator |
US20180049582A1 (en) * | 2015-03-12 | 2018-02-22 | Bsh Hausgerate Gmbh | Mixed beverage unit |
US10064513B2 (en) * | 2015-03-12 | 2018-09-04 | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH | Mixed beverage unit |
US9915467B1 (en) * | 2016-11-02 | 2018-03-13 | Sheila Mosley | Refrigerator with integrated multi-speed blender |
DE102017218174A1 (en) * | 2017-10-11 | 2019-04-11 | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH | Food storage system |
DE102017218174B4 (en) | 2017-10-11 | 2022-12-08 | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH | food storage system |
US11103103B2 (en) * | 2018-09-24 | 2021-08-31 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Cold brewed coffee system in a refrigerator appliance |
CN113646600A (en) * | 2019-04-04 | 2021-11-12 | 海尔智家股份有限公司 | Refrigerator and brewing assembly for refrigerator |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US7610849B2 (en) | 2009-11-03 |
BRPI0700655A (en) | 2007-11-06 |
MX2007002843A (en) | 2008-11-14 |
EP1832826A2 (en) | 2007-09-12 |
EP1832826A3 (en) | 2010-10-06 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7610849B2 (en) | In-door coffee maker for refrigerators | |
US7861646B2 (en) | Device for producing small batches of coffee from liquid coffee concentrate | |
US7748570B2 (en) | Refrigerator-mounted hot beverage dispenser | |
KR100518800B1 (en) | Drink supply apparatus | |
US6612224B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for the preparation of hot beverages | |
CN105008268B (en) | Beverage dispensing system | |
US20080028944A1 (en) | Multiple beverage brewer | |
RU2225701C2 (en) | Coffee making unit | |
CN107917573B (en) | Refrigerator with a door | |
RU2678896C2 (en) | Beverage preparation device for hot and cold beverages | |
US20170042181A1 (en) | Ice machine for dispensing flavored ice cubes and methods of making flavored ice cubes | |
AU2020252476B2 (en) | Refrigerator and brewing assembly for refrigerator | |
US20120192584A1 (en) | Ice Machine For Dispensing Flavored Ice Cubes | |
CN207489153U (en) | A kind of fresh milk drink Vending Machine and milk preservation box | |
EP2738490A2 (en) | Convertible ice storage | |
WO2010138909A2 (en) | Beverage brewing system and method | |
US20170211872A1 (en) | Domestic Refrigeration Appliance Having A Water Dispenser Unit That Includes A Receiving Unit For Inserting A Flavor Container | |
US10352614B2 (en) | Refrigerator appliance having a dispensing assembly | |
US11608258B2 (en) | Multi-purpose hydration station | |
CN210864923U (en) | Self-service beverage vending machine equipment | |
KR20180108806A (en) | Feeder for beverage dispenser | |
US10842314B2 (en) | Multiple compartment decanter for brewer having multiple function faucet handles | |
AU2021323972A1 (en) | Beverage-dispensing machine | |
CZ20001711A3 (en) | Percolator system | |
US2830626A (en) | Vending apparatus |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION, MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:BIGGE, WILLIAM J.;DREES, STEVEN C.;REEL/FRAME:017684/0260 Effective date: 20060307 |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
CC | Certificate of correction | ||
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: MAINTENANCE FEE REMINDER MAILED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: REM.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
LAPS | Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED FOR FAILURE TO PAY MAINTENANCE FEES (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: EXP.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
STCH | Information on status: patent discontinuation |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362 |
|
FP | Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee |
Effective date: 20211103 |